Valve has recently updated its content guidelines for developers on the Steam platform, as reported by Game*Spark. This update introduces a new clause to the "Rules and Guidelines" section of the Steamworks Documentation, emphasizing the importance of compliance with various third-party standards, particularly those related to electronic payments. This change is primarily focused on adult content and aims to clarify what developers are prohibited from publishing on Steam.
The updated guidelines now feature a total of 15 clauses that developers must adhere to. The newly added rule specifically states that publishers are required to comply with the rules and standards set by payment processors, card networks, banks, and internet service providers. This addition signals a potential tightening of restrictions around adult-only content on the platform.
The 15th clause underscores that any content which may violate the standards imposed by Steam’s financial partners is strictly forbidden. This includes various forms of adult content that may not align with the expectations of payment processors and banks. Prior to this update, the list already prohibited content including hate speech, malware, sexual content involving real people, and any exploitation of children. The introduction of this latest clause indicates that Steam is prepared to take further action against specific types of adult content to ensure compliance with these external requirements.
As a direct consequence of these updated rules, a significant number of games have been removed from the Steam platform within just 16 hours of the announcement, according to SteamDB. The majority of these removals appear to involve games categorized as "sex simulators," particularly those containing keywords like “incest” and “slavery”. Interestingly, some titles, such as the Ace Attorney-inspired game Trails of Innocence, have also been removed, raising questions about whether these removals are connected to the new guidelines or if they are coincidental.
This development on Steam mirrors a wider trend where various video game and manga hosting platforms, especially in Japan, have encountered difficulties with payment processors and credit card networks. Many platforms have faced issues due to content that violates undisclosed rules set by third parties responsible for handling payments. Such conflicts have resulted in a loss of revenue and, in some cases, the closure of platforms like Manga Library Z. Valve’s new regulations may serve as a proactive measure to prevent similar complications from affecting Steam, yet the ambiguity surrounding the specific guidelines imposed by payment processors may compel publishers to exercise extra caution when launching their games on the platform.
Valve's update to Steam’s content guidelines reflects a significant shift in how adult content is managed on the platform. Developers must now navigate these new restrictions carefully to avoid potential pitfalls associated with payment processing. As the situation evolves, it is crucial for publishers to stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure their games remain available on Steam.
